The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) is now offering professional development courses based on the local production 'Agri Arkansas' through the new ArkansasIDEAS learning management system (LMS). The courses can be accessed at ideas.aetn.org.

AETN launched the new ArkansasIDEAS LMS June 1. Improvements to the system include: convenient access from mobile devices, more technology features, simpler navigation and a new layout.

'These courses give teachers a very good background on agriculture in Arkansas, and the impact it has on the state,' AETN Education Manager Suzanne Jones said. 'The Arkansas History program makes it easier for teachers from other states to obtain their Arkansas educator license.'

New courses developed from AETN's original series 'Agri Arkansas' include:

AR History: Agri Arkansas Introduction – Arkansas's agricultural effects on the state's economy are discussed in this introductory segment, which also features an overview of the major crops grown in each region of the state. The future of agriculture in Arkansas is explored, including an examination of camelina, a relatively new crop for Arkansas farmers that is used in biodiesel.

AR History: Agri Arkansas Agri Economics – Along with exploring Arkansas agriculture in general, educators will travel to the Cummins Prison in South Arkansas for a look at one of the state's largest agricultural operations. This course also features a 'Peach Pickin' Paradise' in Clarksville, Arkansas.

AR History: Agri Arkansas The Honeybee – This course takes a closer look at Arkansas's state insect. Plus, it explores if the phenomenon of Colony Collapse Disorder, the spontaneous die-off of entire colonies of bees, has affected Arkansas. Finally, it addresses what the public needs to know about backyard beekeeping.

AR History: Agri Arkansas Dairy – Dairy in Arkansas was once big business, but the past few decades have seen a decline in the number of active dairy farmers in the state. This course takes a close look at the dairy industry. Recent legislation has made it legal to sell raw milk in Arkansas; participants discover where it can be found and what to know before drinking it. Also featured is an interview with Kent Walker, a cheese maker based in Little Rock.

AR History: Agri Arkansas Rice – Arkansas is the nation's leading producer of rice. It began in the early 1900s when W.H. Fuller was approached by citizens telling him they did not believe he could produce 35 bushels of rice per acre on his 70-acre farm. Fuller proved them wrong when his rice fields yielded 75 bushels an acre that year. Today, Arkansas has approximately 1.5 million acres of rice fields. In this course, participants will learn more about the history of rice in Arkansas, current rice production and problems facing rice farmers in the future.

AR History: Agri Arkansas Poultry – From the introduction of raising poultry in the late 1940s to the billion dollar industry it is today, this course illustrates the success and contributions of the poultry business. Also featured is the 2012 Farm Family of the Year, the DeSalvo family from Conway County. This course ends with online tools from the Arkansas Agriculture Department to help people find easier ways to eat locally.

Courses previously developed around local AETN productions include:

'108°: Critical Response'

'Hoxie: The First Stand'

'Una Vida Mejor'

'A New Island'

'The Road to Little Rock.'

In 2005, the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 2318 that created a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) and AETN to provide high-quality, online professional development for educators licensed in Arkansas in order to improve teacher quality as a means to increase student achievement. ArkansasIDEAS (ideas.aetn.org) is designed to enhance educators' content knowledge and instructional skills.

The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) is Arkansas's statewide public television network that enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. AETN delivers local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers. AETN depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. For more information, visit aetn.org, or follow the AETN blog at aetn.org/engage. AETN is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), and KETZ (El Dorado).